Pruitt branch is bringing free haircuts (and more) to its neighbors

Shandi Demumbreum has always had good hair. Then cancer happened.

“During chemo, my hair started coming out and I wasn't about to have a mullet,” she said. “Every couple of weeks I went to a local barber college to get a free trim.”

When she started at Pruitt Branch Library in May of 2022, she was in her final round of chemo. She couldn’t have imagined her (successful) cancer journey would be the impetus for what is now one of the branch’s most popular programs. 

The light bulb moment came during a conversation with a regular Pruitt patron.

“He was unhoused, and he said he could only get a haircut once a month, and if he got the haircut, then he wouldn’t get a bed for the night,” Shandi said. “I was like, ‘Well, that's kind of messed up. Here I am getting two or three haircuts a month and he can't even get one without losing out on a place to sleep.”

No Bad Hair Days 

Shandi enlisted the help of a local barber college, and soon trainees were coming to the Pruitt branch every Thursday. The plan was simple: the students would earn class credit and practice their skills under the watchful eye of their supervisor, while providing a much-needed service to the community—at no charge. 

“We didn’t know if it would work, and no other branch that we knew of was doing it,” Shandi said. “But those chairs filled up real fast.” 

Three years in, Shandi’s hair has fully grown back, and Pruitt’s free haircuts program is going strong. Each week, the program provides 30 to 50 free haircuts. Shandi manages the sign-in sheet and greets her guests as “hon” and “sweetie,” offering big hugs and lots of smiles. 

The only task she doesn’t like is turning people away when the three-hour shift has ended. “I have to tell them to come back next week, and I hate to do it, but otherwise we’d be here all day!” 

Hair, as Shandi knows all too well, can impact self-image and self-confidence. She says a haircut can make the difference between moving forward in life or staying stuck. “I see folks come in looking defeated or down, and there’s definitely a little slump in their posture,” she said. “But when they get their haircut, they leave with a smile, their shoulders back, and head held high.” 

Fresh Hair, Fresh Start 

As Shandi oversees the haircuts, she talks to patrons about the library’s other programs and resources. “While they’re waiting, I invite them to come in and explore,” she said. “I let them know we have computers and free WiFi, GED prep, therapy dance classes for teens, and so much more.” 

This tactic has worked. “After they get haircuts, we see them coming back to use a computer to apply for jobs,” she said. “They check out books. They start bringing their kids. It becomes a place they turn to for community, resources, and support.” Not long ago, Shandi noticed a particular patron who needed a little extra support. 

Anthony is deaf and needed help communicating with the student barber. Shandi has always had a love for sign language and has taken classes off and on over the years. She stepped in to serve as Anthony’s interpreter. 

“I was nervous to do it, and I’m still not great, but I know enough to help him get the haircut he wants,” Shandi said. 

One of those haircuts turned out to be transformational. “Anthony came in one day and told me he had gotten a job at the airport and credited his haircut with giving him the confidence to apply,” she said. “It really warmed my heart.” 

Anthony’s not the only one to use free library resources to make a fresh start. 

“I see people over and over again for weeks, and then all of a sudden they come in and just give me a great big hug and tell me that they got the job or apartment they applied for because of the programming we offer,” she said. “That's just so amazing. I can't even put it into words.” 

A Cut Above 

Shandi has 100 percent support from Pruitt Branch Manager Raymond Kinzounza. “Shandi does a great job,” he said. “We have many patrons who come here just to talk with her. She's really loved in the community. They know she is always here to serve and to help people find what they need––that’s really something special.” 

So what’s up next for Shandi? 

More haircuts, of course.

But also something new: A sign language conversation class she’s starting at Pruitt branch on Fridays, starting Nov. 21, 3–4 PM. Library Services for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing staff, who are working out of Pruitt while the Main Library is temporarily closed, will be on hand to support. 

“People at any skill level can come,” Shandi said. “We’re going to play games, have conversations, and just talk with our hands. It’s going to be fun.” 

Pruitt branch offers free haircuts Thursdays, 11 AM–2 PM. 

Call (615) 862-5985 with questions.

Visit the NPL Events Calendar.